And Livan Hernandez tosses a four-hit shutout, leading the Nationals to an 8-0 victory over the Brewers and a winning record for the first time in more than two years.

Steven over at FJB already noted this, but it's worth repeating: This was only the fourth shutout by a Nats pitcher since the franchise arrived in town. The others: John Patterson (Aug. 4, 2005 vs. Dodgers), Pedro Astacio (Aug. 15, 2006 vs. Braves) and John Lannan (July 21, 2009 vs. Mets). That Astacio game (a 2-hitter by a 37-year-old who didn't make it out of the third inning in either of his next two starts) ranks among the most bizarre events in Nationals history.

Anyways, the Nats will try to make a little more history this afternoon, going for a series sweep of the Brewers, a four-game winning streak and a 7-5 record. I'm wrapping up my weekend of yardwork, household errands and quality time with the wife, so I'll have to leave the game discussion to all of you. But I'll be back at work tomorrow for the start of the series against the Rockies, who all of a sudden have a star right-hander making a highly anticipated start Thursday afternoon on South Capitol Street.

Adam Dunn should bat leadoff. I'm dead serious: Doug Davis has walked 5 guys in 7 innings so far this year, and last year he led all NL starters in walks (103). Dunn should bat leadoff. He'll get on base more than Taveras. True, you have a slow runner up for Guz and Zimmerman, but hopefully they hit well enough that you don't need a fast runner.

We were in the house yesterday, and also for Patterson's complete game shutout in 2005. In fact, we were talking about the 2005 going home on the Metro afterwards. A shame the way things ended for Patterson.

B.R., I like where your head is at. However, Riggleman is more of a traditional guy and would never consider that. I am confused as to why Taveras is leading off over a guy like Maxwell, who has speed and gets on base.

I just want to say that as someone who is only starting to follow baseball, this blog has been invaluable. I've been a lifelong 'Skins fan and am a huge fan of Redskins Insider on the washingtonpost site… but when it comes to the Nats, this website FAR outdoes what Adam Kilgore is doing on Nationals Journal.

Can a pitcher's skills deteriorate completely over the space of one winter? As I recall, Marquis was virtually unhittable against the Nats last year — or at least they were pounding his sinker into the ground with distressing regularity.

There's a ton of people over at NJ (and a couple posts here) getting all over Rizzo for signing Marquis. Now clearly I could not (and would not) post here and say his performance is anything but abysmal, but any GM in Rizzo's situation would have signed Marquis in a heart beat, too. He was exactly the kind of pitcher that could provide stability to young rotation, and no one tried to bill him as Nolan Ryan. Just a solid signing to bridge a rebuilding, young team as the developing phenoms eased into their professional careers.And you don't DFA him. Skip a start first, demote him to the 'pen second, but you don't DFA him first.

Yeah, Marquis's going to the pen. Who's coming out, Batista or Clippard? Marquis has lost a bit off his fastball, but mostly its location. He's definitely not the pitcher he was last year. I agree; Rizzo did his best in this signing, it just hasn't worked out. You got to remember, he was left off the Rockies playoff roster.

Well said Doc and Suicide Squeeze. I thought he was a good signing. A solid, average starter. But man he's lost…maybe a trip to the bullpen will help a bit.I don't think Clippard should become a starter, however. He's found his niche in the bullpen.

It looks like Atilano may currently be the best choice to replace Marquis/Batista in a starting / long relief role? Atilano at Syracuse has a 2 – 0 record as a starter. 1.64 ERA and 1.09 whip. 2 walks, 2 strike outs, and 2 home runs.

Z — we missed you today. And to think I almost went to the park again today. Ugh. Actually I'm with the idea of not DFA'ing JM. But please, please, don't let take his next turn. I'll offer up my tired arm.

Aeoliano: Fair point on the amount paid for Marquis, but I submit the Nats had to pay a premium for anyone to come here after two 100+ loss seasons. Besides, SI criticized the Nats for paying Pudge $6m over two years, and how's that working out? Signing a Hall of Fame pitcher at whatever price opened the door to signing Marquis (so I guess we should all blame Ivan – ha!) and overpaying (if you think they did) Marquis made the point that the Nats would pay solid starters that were well below future Hall of fame status. (And it showed that their bids for Texiera and Chapman weren't just–or at least not entirely–PR stunts.)At this early stage one worked and one hasn't, but I would ALSO submit that you won't see why these two signings were important until one, two years from now when free agents start taking the Nats seriously and not just as a negotiating ploy to drive up other offers.

Signing Marquis to a 2 yr. $15 million contract after the terrible second half of the season he had last year was dumb. It just proves once again that when management does open the wallet (rarely) they blow the money. Now we are stuck with this turkey.

Anon at 10:06PM- Don't you think this is why they are reluctant because of all the blunders on Free Agent signings?Adam Dunn is being paid $12 million this year and needs to get it going as Josh Whitesell could give you better D and slightly better production. Yeeeeeeeesh.